Boost for golf

THE inaugural Fiji International Golf tournament is slowly building a reputation.

Yesterday, the PGA of Australia announced its partnership with the InterContinental Hotel Group, one of the world's leading hotel groups.

The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa will be recognised as the Gold sponsor and official resort for the new PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia tournament which will be staged at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from August 14-17.

With about 400 million homes worldwide expected to view the tournament, Matt Porm, the commercial head of the Fiji International for SEL said the partnership provided great opportunities for both parties.

"The Fiji International will deliver significant benefits to the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa," said Porm.

"As the home of the Fiji International, we look forward to the partnership to ensure this is a must-visit destination for golf travellers from all around the world."

Porm said unlike traditional sporting events, the Fiji International was unique in that it offered sponsors year-round benefits, relevant well beyond the tournament week.

"Golf tourism is an emerging market with over 20 per cent growth in the past two years alone, and with further growth forecast for 2014.

"Tapping in to the international golf market is important for Fiji's wider tourism strategy and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa understands the significant potential of this tournament."

Erik Stuebe, the new general manager for InterContinental Fiji, said they looked forward to showcasing its hospitality to players and VIPs, including Fiji's very own and former world number one Vijay Singh.

"As the biggest sporting event Fiji has ever seen, the Fiji International will not only bolster Fiji's existing tourism industry, but shape the nation's profile as a world-class golfing destination — locally, an untapped market to date," he said.